Gift card presentation devices

ABSTRACT

The disclosed invention relates generally to various embodiments of holders and packaging for giving gifts. In particular, the invention relates to various gift card holders that hold a gift card and enhance the presentation and gift giving experience for recipients and gift givers alike. The holders and packing also permit a gift card disposed therein to be visible, scanned, accessed, or otherwise activated without removing the gift card from the holder.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. Non-provisional applicationSer. No. 15/431,535, entitled “Gift Card Presentation Devices,” filedFeb. 13, 2017, which is a Divisional of and claims priority to U.S.Non-provisional application Ser. No. 14/181,668, entitled “Gift CardPresentation Devices,” filed Feb. 15, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,565,911,which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/765,594,filed Feb. 15, 2013, entitled “Gift Card Presentation Devices,” theentire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Transaction cards, stored value cards, or gift cards are popular gifts.Gift cards typically comprise a stored value card whereby a certain cashequivalent value is encoded upon a magnetic strip applied to the surfaceof the card. This stored value may be determined by the vendor prior topackaging and display for sale or may be selected at the point of saleby the purchaser and loaded by the cashier using a magnetic cardreader/writer. Although popular, gift cards are typically provided witha generic and impersonal design. In addition, gift cards are often givenin simple un-adorned envelopes or impersonal sleeves. This may minimizethe gift giving experience and emotional value for both gift giver andthe recipient.

Therefore, a need exists for a gift card holder that provides graphicaland/or mechanical enhancements to entertain the gift card recipient andadd emotional and personal value to the gift and the gift giver.

SUMMARY

This invention relates generally to gift card holders and moreparticularly to a device for holding a gift card or gift card packetwhile providing graphical and mechanical enhancements to entertain thegift card recipient and add value to the gift giving experience for thegift giver. In addition, the gift card holders are suitable forconvenient display and activation by retailers. Specifically, the giftcard holders include one or more cutouts that provide easy access toview and scan a barcode or other indicia on the gift cards foractivation.

In one embodiment, a gift card holder includes a pocket portion havingat least one cutout, and an insert portion for receiving a gift card.The insert portion also includes at least one other cutout. The insertportion is slidably engaged to the pocket portion such that the giftcard is concealed within the pocket portion when the insert is fullyinserted. In addition, the cutouts of the pocket portion and the insertportion are aligned so that a barcode or other indicia on the gift cardmay be viewed when the card is inserted into the pocket portion. Invarious aspects, the pocket portion and insert may be configured andadorned to resemble a gift box or gift bag.

In another embodiment, a gift card holder includes a pocket portionhaving a front, a back with at least one cutout, and a flap. The holderalso includes an insert portion for receiving a gift card. The insertportion includes at least one opening for receiving the gift card, atleast one opening for receiving a photograph, and at least one cutout.When the insert portion is inserted into the pocket portion, the atleast one cutout is aligned so that a barcode or other indicia on thegift card may be viewed when the card is inserted into the pocketportion. In one aspect, the insert portion includes an easel attachment,so that the insert portion may be used as a photo frame.

In one embodiment, the gift card holder includes a planar material thatis folded to form a pocket portion and a gift card panel. The pocketportion includes a front, a back having at least one cutout, and a flap,while the gift card panel is configured to receive a gift card. The giftcard panel also includes at least one cutout. The gift card panel isslidably inserted into the pocket portion such that the cutouts arealigned so that a barcode or other indicia on the gift card may beviewed when the gift card panel is inserted into the pocket portion. Inone aspect, the pocket portion includes one or more gusset panels. Inanother aspect, the pocket portion forms a box shape.

In one embodiment, the gift card holder is a planar material folded toform a bi-fold having a top portion and a bottom portion with at leastone cutout. The holder also includes a frame affixed to the bottomportion. A gift card may be received within the frame and the topportion may be folded towards the bottom portion such that a frontsurface of the top portion is positioned proximate to a front surface ofthe bottom portion when the holder is in a closed configuration. In oneaspect, the holder may also include an outer sleeve that also has acutout such that the cutouts are aligned so that a barcode or otherindicia on the gift card may be viewed when the bi-fold is inserted intothe sleeve. The bi-fold holder may also include a band that encirclesthe holder to hold it in the closed configuration.

In one embodiment, the gift card holder is a box having a bottom portionwith at least one cutout and a lid portion. The box also includes a traypositioned within the bottom portion. The tray receives a gift card andincludes at least one cutout. The exterior of the box is covered in oneor more decorative liners that also include at least one cutout, suchthat all of the cutouts are aligned so that a barcode or other indiciaon the gift card may be viewed when the box is closed.

In various other embodiments the pocket portion or sleeve and insertportions may be dimensioned such that they are at least twice the heightand/or twice the width of a typical gift card. In addition, the insertmay also include one or more pull tabs for removing the insert from thepocket portion or sleeve.

Details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanyingdrawings and the description below. Other features and advantages may beapparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are front plan views of a simulated present gift cardholder in a closed and open configuration, respectively, according toone embodiment.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are plan views of an exterior surface and an interiorsurface, respectively, of an unassembled pocket portion of a simulatedpresent gift card holder according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are plan views of an exterior surface and an interiorsurface, respectively, of an unassembled insert portion of a simulatedpresent gift card holder according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 4-6 are plan views of embodiments of adornments and accessoriesthat may be used with the gift card holders disclosed herein.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are front plan views of a simulated present gift cardholder in a closed and open configuration, respectively, according toone embodiment.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are plan views of an exterior surface and an interiorsurface, respectively, of an unassembled pocket portion of a simulatedpresent gift card holder according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are plan views of an interior surface and an exteriorsurface, respectively, of an unassembled insert portion of a simulatedpresent gift card holder according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are front plan views of a slide-out gift card holderin a closed configuration and an open configuration, respectively,according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10C is a rear plan view of a slide-out gift card holder in a closedconfiguration according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are plan views of an exterior surface and an interiorsurface, respectively, of an unassembled sleeve portion of a slide-outgift card holder according to one embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of an insert frame for a slide-out gift cardholder according to one embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of an insert backer for a slide-out gift cardholder according to one embodiment.

FIG. 14A is a diagram of the assembly of an insert for a slide-out giftcard holder according to one embodiment.

FIG. 14B is a diagram of the assembly of a slide-out gift card holderaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a plan view of a retail package for a slide-out gift cardholder according to one embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram of various components of a photo frame gift cardholder according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 17A and 17B are a rear plan view and a front plan view,respectively, of an assembled envelope portion of a frame gift cardholder according to one embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a plan view of an exterior surface of an unassembled envelopeportion of a frame gift card holder according to one embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a plan view of a frame portion for a frame insert of a framegift card holder according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 20A and 20B are a front plan view and a rear plan view,respectively, of a frame backer panel for a frame insert of a frame giftcard holder according to one embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a plan view of an easel support for a frame insert of a framegift card holder according to one embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a diagram of the assembly of a frame insert of a frame giftcard holder according to one embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a diagram of the assembly of a frame gift card holderaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a plan view of a revealing gift card holder according to oneembodiment.

FIGS. 25A and 25B are a perspective view and a plan view, respectively,of a revealing gift card holder according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 26A and 26B are plan views of an exterior surface and an interiorsurface, respectively, of an unassembled revealing gift card holderaccording to one embodiment.

FIGS. 27A and 27B are front plan views of a revealing gift card holderin a closed and open configuration, respectively, according to oneembodiment.

FIGS. 28A and 28B are plan views of an exterior surface and an interiorsurface, respectively, of an unassembled revealing gift card holderaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a diagram of the assembly of a revealing gift card holderaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a plan view of a bi-fold gift card holder in a closedconfiguration according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 31A and 31B are a front plan view and a rear plan view,respectively, of a bi-fold gift card holder in an open configurationaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a plan view of an exterior surface of an outer sleeve portionof a bi-fold gift card holder according to one embodiment.

FIG. 33 is a plan view of a backer panel for a bi-fold insert portion ofa bi-fold gift card holder according to one embodiment.

FIG. 34 is a plan view of a front frame portion for a bi-fold insertportion of a bi-fold gift card holder according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 35A and 35B are a front plan view and a rear plan view,respectively, of an assembled bi-fold insert portion of a bi-fold giftcard holder according to one embodiment.

FIG. 36 is a plan view of a closure band of a bi-fold gift card holderaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 37 is a plan view of a decorative element for a closure band of abi-fold gift card holder according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 38A and 38B are a front plan view and a rear plan view,respectively, of a gift box gift card holder according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 38C is a perspective plan view of a gift box gift card holder withthe lid removed according to one embodiment.

FIG. 39 is a plan view of an unassembled tray of a gift box gift cardholder according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 40A and 40B are plan views of a lid and bottom portion,respectively, of a gift box gift card holder in an unassembledconfiguration according to one embodiment.

FIG. 41 is a plan view of a decorative lid cover for a lid portion of agift box gift card holder in an unassembled configuration according toone embodiment.

FIG. 42 is a plan view of a decorative bottom cover for a bottom portionof a gift box gift card holder in an unassembled configuration accordingto one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to gift card holders that enhance the giftgiving experience for both the gift giver and the gift recipient. Thegift card holders disclosed herein also provide benefits to retailers.For example, the gift cards and gift card holders may be received byretailers in pre-assembled packaging. In addition, gift card holdersallow the gift cards to be purchased and activated without removing themfrom the gift card holders. In various aspects, the gift card holders ofthe present invention include a number of decorative and functionalfeatures that allow a gift giver to add personalization and otherenhancements when giving a gift card.

Simulated Present Gift Card Holders

FIGS. 1A-6 depict one embodiment of a simulated present gift card holder10 having a pocket portion 100 and a removable gift card insert 150. Inone aspect, the pocket portion 100 is formed by cutting and folding agenerally planar material, such as but not limited to paper, cardstock,paperboard, or cardboard. The planar material has an exterior surface101, shown in FIG. 2A, and an interior surface 103, shown in FIG. 2B.The surfaces 101 and 103 may be printed, painted, or otherwise markedwith graphics or indicia. In one aspect, the planar material is cut toform two generally rectangular portions 102A-B and tabs 104A-B. Therectangular portions 102A-B and the tabs 104A-B are defined andseparated by one or more folds 106A-C. The pocket portion 100 is foldedalong fold 106C to position the interior surface of the rectangularportion 102A proximal to and facing the interior surface of therectangular portion 102B. An adhesive is applied to the tabs 104A-Bwhich are then affixed to the interior surface of rectangular portion102A, thereby forming a pocket that is open along the side opposite thetab 104B. The rectangular portion 102A includes a cutout or opening 108.The cutout 108 allows a barcode, including matrix or two-dimensionalbarcodes and/or other indicia, including alphanumeric text, on a giftcard positioned within the pocket to be viewed and scanned withoutremoving the gift card from the pocket portion 100. The pocket portion100 may also include additional indicia and adornments, such as a bow110 or indicia to identify the gift giver and recipient.

The removable gift card insert 150, shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, is alsomade from a planar material that is marked with indicia on the exteriorsurface 151 or the interior surface 153. The insert 150 is formed bycutting and folding along fold 154 to bring the interior surfaces of theinsert 150 into close proximity to each other. An adhesive is applied tothe tabs 152A-B that are folded inward to hold the folded inserttogether.

The folded planar material has a top insert portion 160 and a bottominsertion portion 170. In one aspect, the top insert portion 160 iswider than the bottom insert portion 170. Once the insert 150 isassembled, the bottom insert portion is received into the pocket portion100, as shown in FIG. 1A-B. Once inserted, the gift card holder 10 hasthe appearance of a wrapped present. Translating the insert portion 150away from the pocket portion 100, as indicated by 99, simulates theopening of a present to reveal the gift card.

The bottom insert portion also has one or more cutouts 172 that alignwith the cutout 108 and allow a barcode or other indicia on a gift cardattached to the insert 150 to be viewed and scanned when the insert ispositioned within the pocket 100. A gift card may then be attached tothe marked surface of the bottom insert portion 170. The top insertportion 160 may include additional features, including a removable tab180 for displaying the gift card holder 10 at a retail location, a tag182 for identifying the gift giver and recipient, and additionaladornments including a ribbon 184, which may be passed through a slotcut into the top portion.

FIGS. 7A-9B depict another embodiment of a simulated present gift cardholder 20 having a pocket portion 200 and a slidable gift card insert250. In one aspect, a pocket portion 200 is formed by cutting andfolding a generally planar material, such as but not limited to paper,cardstock, paperboard, or cardboard. The planar material has an exteriorsurface 201, shown in FIG. 8A, and an interior surface 203, shown inFIG. 8B. The surfaces 201 and 203 may be printed, painted, or otherwisemarked with graphics or indicia. In one aspect, the planar material iscut to form two generally trapezoidal portions 202A-B and tabs 204A-B.The trapezoidal portions 202A-B and the tabs 204A-B are defined andseparated by one or more folds 206A-C. In one aspect, the trapezoidalportions are shaped and marked to resemble a shopping bag; however,other shapes and markings may also be used. The pocket portion 200 isfolded along fold 206C to position the interior surface of thetrapezoidal portion 202A proximal to and facing the interior surface ofthe trapezoidal portion 202B. An adhesive is applied to the tabs 204A-Bwhich are then affixed to the interior surface of trapezoidal portion202A, thereby forming a pocket that is open along a side opposite thetab 204B. The trapezoidal portion 202A includes a cutout or opening 208.The cutout 208 allows a barcode or other indicia on a gift cardpositioned within the pocket to be viewed and scanned without removingthe gift card from the pocket portion 200 The pocket portion 200 mayalso include additional indicia and adornments, such as a bow 210 orindicia to identify the gift giver and recipient.

The slidable gift card insert 250, shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, is alsomade from a planar material that is marked with indicia on the exteriorsurface 251 or the interior surface 253. The insert 250 is formed bycutting and folding along the fold 254 to bring the interior surfaces ofthe insert 250 into close proximity to each other thereby forming atwo-layer insert with range-limiting tabs 252A-B. An adhesive is appliedto the tabs 252A-B that are folded inward to hold the folded inserttogether. The insert 250 has one or more cutouts or openings 270 thatalign with the cutout 208 and allow a barcode or other indicia on a giftcard attached to the insert 250 to be viewed and scanned when the insertis positioned within the pocket portion 200. In addition, the insert 250may include additional adornments, such as a handle 256. The rangelimiting tabs 252A-B are dimensioned such that the width “W” of theinsert 250 along the fold 254 and the latitudinal axis between the tabsis greater than the width of the upper portion 255 of the trapezoidalshaped pocket portion 200, as shown in FIG. 7B. As such, the rangelimiting tabs 252A-B prevent the insert 250 from being removed from thepocket portion 200 unintentionally. Translating the insert portion 250away from the pocket portion 200, as indicated by 99 in FIG. 7A,simulates the opening of a gift bag to reveal the gift card 90.

The gift card holder 20 may also include additional features, includinga removable tab 180, shown in FIG. 4, for displaying the gift cardholder at a retail location and a tag 182, shown in FIG. 5, foridentifying the gift giver and recipient. Additional adornmentsincluding, but not limited to a ribbon, may be attached to the holder toenhance the appearance thereof.

Slide-Out Gift Card Holders

FIGS. 10A-15 are an embodiment of a slide-out gift card holder 30 havinga sleeve portion 300 and a removable gift card insert 340. In oneaspect, the sleeve portion 300 may be formed from cutting and folding aplanar material 301, such as but not limited to paper, cardstock,paperboard, foil, or cardboard. One or more of the external surface 301or the internal surface 303 of the planar material shown in FIG. 11A maybe printed, painted, or otherwise marked with graphics or indicia. Theplanar material 301 is cut or scored to form a front portion 302A, aback portion 302B, and a flap 302C, as well as tabs 304A-B. In oneaspect, the front and back portions 302A-B are dimensioned to have aheight approximately greater that the height or width of a typical giftcard, depending upon the orientation of the gift card within the holder30 such that the gift card can be fully received within the sleeveportion. The front, back, and flap portions 302A-C, respectively, andthe tabs 304A-B are defined and separated by one or more folds 306A-D.In addition, the back portion 302B includes a cutout or opening 308. Thecutout 308 allows a barcode or other indicia on a gift card positionedwithin the sleeve to be viewed and scanned without removing the giftcard from the sleeve portion 300. The sleeve portion 300 is formed byfolding the planar material along folds 306A-B to position the interiorsurface of the front portion 302A proximal to and facing the interiorsurface of the back portion 302B. An adhesive is applied to the tabs304A-B which are then affixed to the interior surface of rectangularportion 302B, thereby forming a sleeve that is opened at the endproximal to the flap 302C. The flap may be folded and inserted into aslot 310 that is cut into the front portion 302A to close the sleeveportion 300. The sleeve portion 300 may include additional indicia andadornments, such as an area to identify the gift giver and recipient ora ribbon and bow. In addition, the sleeve portion 300 may include aremovable tab 180, as shown in FIG. 4, for displaying the slide-out giftcard holder 30 at a retail location.

In one embodiment, the removable gift card insert 340 is made from twoor more planar materials that are each marked with indicia or graphicson one or more surfaces thereof. The insert 340 is formed by cutting andthe planar materials to fabricate a front frame 350 and a backer panelor board 360. The front frame 350 is affixed on top of a backer board360. In particular, the front frame 350 is cut to create a generallyrectangular opening 352 dimensioned to receive and hold a gift card 90,while that backer board 360 includes a cutout or opening 362 for viewingindicia on the gift card engaged to the insert 340. The cutout 362aligns with the cutout 308 to allow a barcode or other indicia on thegift card placed within the frame opening 352 to be viewed and scannedwhen the insert 340 is positioned within the sleeve portion 300. Thebacker board 360 may include another cutout or opening 364 to receive apull tab, which may be a looped ribbon 366 in one embodiment, forremoving the insert 340 from the sleeve portion 300. In anotherembodiment, the frame 350 and the backer board 360 may be formed from asingle planar material that is folded upon itself.

To assemble the holder 30, the front frame 350 is affixed to the backerboard 360. The insert 340 is then inserted into the sleeve 300 as shownin FIG. 14B. In one embodiment, a gift card 90 may be provided with theslide-out gift card holder 30. In another embodiment, the slide-out giftcard holder 30 may be used or re-used with any gift card 90.

In various aspects, an envelope 370 may be included with the slide-outgift card holder 30. The envelope and additional tags or stickers (notshown) may be included within a separate cellophane sleeve portion (notshown). Together, the envelope and slide-out gift card holder 30 may bedisplayed in a retail location for sale as a single item, shown in FIG.15, using a removable tag similar to the tag 180 shown in FIG. 4.

A Frame Gift Card Holder

An embodiment of a framed gift card holder 40 is depicted in FIGS.16-23. The framed gift card holder 40 includes an envelope portion 400and a removable photo frame insert 440. In one aspect, the envelope 400may be formed from cutting and folding a planar material, such as butnot limited to paper, cardstock, paperboard, foil, or cardboard. One ormore sides or surfaces of the envelope portion 400 may be printed,painted, or otherwise marked with indicia. The envelope portion includesa front portion 402A, a back portion 402B, and a flap 402C, as well astabs 404A-B. In one aspect, the front and back portions 402A-B aredimensioned to approximate the size of a typical greeting card; however,in other embodiments, other sizes may be used. The front, back, and flapportions 402A-C, respectively, and the tabs 404A-B are defined andseparated by one or more folds 406A-C. In addition, the back portion402B includes a cutout or opening 408. The cutout 408 allows a barcodeor other indicia on a gift card disposed within the envelope 400 to beviewed and scanned without removing the gift card from the envelope. Theenvelope 400 is formed by folding the planar material along folds 406Bto position the interior surface of the front portion 402A proximal toand facing the interior surface of the back portion 402B. An adhesive isapplied to the tabs 404A-B which are then affixed to the interiorsurface of rectangular portion 402B, thereby forming the envelope thatis opened at the end proximal to having the flap 402C. The flap may befolded and inserted into a slot 410 that is cut into the front portion402A to close the envelope 400. The envelope 400 may include additionalindicia and adornments, such as an area to identify the gift giver andrecipient or a ribbon and bow. In addition, the envelope 400 may includea removable tab 180, shown in FIG. 4, for displaying the framed giftcard holder 40 at a retail location.

In one embodiment, the removable gift card insert 440 is also made fromtwo or more planar materials that are each marked with indicia on onesurface. The insert 440 is also formed by cutting and the planarmaterials and affixing a front frame 450 on top of a backer board 460.In another embodiment, the insert 440 is formed from a single planarmaterial that is cut and folded upon itself. In particular, the frontframe is cut to create two or more openings 452A-C. The openings 452A-Cmay be generally rectangular as shown or they may be any other shape. Atleast one of the openings 452A-C is dimensioned to receive and hold agift card, while the other openings are dimensioned to display one ormore other items, including but not limited to photographs, greetingcards, notes, or business cards.

The backer board 460 includes a cutout or opening 462 that aligns withthe cutout 408 to allow a barcode or other indicia on the gift cardplaced within the frame of the insert 440 to be viewed and scanned whenthe insert is positioned within the envelope 400. In addition, thebacker board 460 may also include an easel attachment 464 that isengaged to the backer board. The easel attachment 464, may be made ofthe same planar material as the insert, or alternately, may be made ofany other material, including plastics, that provides sufficient supportto prop up the insert 440. In one aspect, the insert 440 may be placedon a surface and displayed as a photo frame, thereby augmenting the giftand further enhancing the gift giving experience.

To assemble the insert 440, a front frame 450 is affixed to the backerboard 460, as shown in FIG. 22, and the easel attachment is attached tothe backer board on the side opposite the front frame. Before beinggiven to a recipient, the photo frame insert 440 is then inserted intothe envelope 400 along with any greeting cards or notes 470, as shown inFIG. 23. In one embodiment, the greeting card 470, note or photographsmay be inserted into one of the openings 452A-C of the insert 440.

Revealing Gift Card Holders

Referring now to FIGS. 24-26B, one embodiment of a revealing gift cardholder 50 is shown. In one aspect, the revealing gift card holder 50 isfabricated by cutting and folding a planar material, such as but notlimited to paper, cardstock, paperboard, foil, or cardboard, into adesired shape. One or more of the external surface 501 or the interiorsurface 503 of the planar material, as shown in FIGS. 26A-B, may beprinted, painted, or otherwise marked with graphics or indicia. Variouscuts and folds may be made to the planar material to define a frontpanel 500, a back panel 502, a lid panel 504, a gift card panel 506,gusset panels 508A-B, and tabs 510A-F in the planar material.

In one embodiment, the front panel 500, the back panel 502, and the lidpanel 504 are generally trapezoidal in shape. In one aspect, thetrapezoidal portions are shaped and marked to resemble a shopping bag,and the gift card holder 50 may include a handle 554. Other shapes andconfigurations may also be used, including but not limited to agenerally rectangular shape, as shown for the gift card panel 506. Inone embodiment, the gift card panel 506 includes a sub-panel 507 thatmay include a message, graphics, or other indicia that is viewable bythe gift recipient upon translation of the gift card panel to reveal thegift card 90.

In various aspects, both the back panel 502 and the gift card panel 506have cutouts 512 and 514, respectively, which allow a barcode or otherindicia on a gift card attached to the gift card panel to be viewed andscanned when the holder 50 is in a closed configuration, as shown inFIG. 24.

To assemble the gift card holder 50, the planar material is folded alongfold 520 so that the interior surface of the front panel 500 is proximalto and facing the interior surface of the back panel 502. An adhesive isplaced in the tabs 510A-B of the gusset panels 508A-B, such that thegusset panels may be affixed to the interior surface of the back panel502. In one embodiment, once assembled the gift card panel 506 cannot becompletely removed from the pocket formed by the front panel 500 andback panel 502 without folding or otherwise altering the holder 50.

The planar material is folded along folds 522 and 524 to position thegift card panel 506 within the gussets of the gusset panel 508A-B,preferably within the front must gusset of the gusset panels. Folding atfolds 526 and 528, allows the lid panel 504 to overlap the front panel500 when the gift card panel 506 is fully inserted in to the gussets asshown in FIG. 24. In one aspect, the lid panel 504 includes a closingmechanism 530, such as hook-and-loop fasteners or a removable adhesive,for removably engaging the lid panel to the front panel 500.

The tabs 510C-F provide attachment points for optional adornments suchas a ribbon 540 or a bow. The gift card holder 50 may also include aremovable tab 180, shown in FIG. 4, for displaying the gift card holder50 at a retail location, or a tag 182, shown in FIG. 5, for indicatingthe gift giver and the recipient.

Another embodiment of a revealing gift card holder 60 is shown in FIGS.27A-29. Similar to the revealing gift card holder 50 shown in FIGS.24-26B, the holder 60 is fabricated by cutting and folding a planarmaterial. One or more sides or surfaces of the planar material may beprinted, painted, or otherwise marked with indicia. As shown, variouscuts and folds may be made to define a front panel 600, a back panel602, a lid panel 604, a gift card panel 606, side panels 608A-B, flaps610A-D, and various tabs 612A-F in a single sheet of the planarmaterial.

In one aspect, the front panel 600, the back panel 602, and the lidpanel 604 may be generally rectangular. In addition, the flaps 610A-Dmay be configured such that the holder resembles a box, when assembled.In various aspects, both the back panel 602 and the gift card panel 606have cutouts or openings 614 and 616, respectively, which allow abarcode or other indicia on a gift card 90 attached to the gift cardpanel to be viewed and scanned when the holder 60 is in a closedconfiguration, as shown in FIG. 27A. The gift card 90 in this embodimentand all other embodiments may be engaged to the various gift card panelswith a removable adhesive or through one or more slits 613, as shown inFIG. 29.

To assemble the gift card holder 60, the planar material is folded alongfolds 620A-B so that the interior surface of the front panel 600 isfacing the interior surface of the back panel 602. In one embodiment, anadhesive is placed on one or more of the flaps 610A-D, such that theside panels and the front and back panels 600 and 602, respectively, mayform a box.

The planar material is folded along folds 622 and 624 to position thegift card panel 606 within a box formed by the front panel 600, the backpanel 602, side panels 608A-B, and the flaps 610A-D, as indicated by611. In one embodiment, the gift card panel 606 includes a sub-panel 607that may include a message, graphics, or other indicia that is viewableby the gift recipient upon translation of the lid panel 604, asindicated by 99 in FIG. 27A, to reveal the gift card 90. Additionalfolding at fold 626 allows the lid panel 604 to overlap the front panel600, when the gift card panel 606 is fully inserted into the box asshown in FIG. 27A. In one aspect, the lid panel 604 includes a closingmechanism 630, such as hook-and-loop fasteners or a removable adhesive,as shown in FIG. 28A, for attaching the lid panel to the front panel600.

The tabs 610C-F provide attachment points for optional adornments suchas a ribbon and bow 640 or handle 654, as shown in FIG. 29. The giftcard holder 60 may also include a removable tab 180, shown in FIG. 4,for displaying the gift card holder 60 at a retail location, or a tag182, shown in FIG. 5, for indicating the gift giver and the recipient.

A Bi-Fold Gift Card Holder

FIGS. 30-37 depict an embodiment of a bi-fold gift card holder 70 thatincludes a decorated closure band 770. The holder 70 has a generalbi-fold configuration with an outer sleeve portion 700 engaged to atleast one surface of an insert portion 740. In one aspect, the holder 70is fabricated by cutting and folding one or more sheets of planarmaterial, such as but not limited to paper, cardstock, paperboard, foil,or cardboard. Each sheet of the planar material may be printed, painted,or otherwise marked with indicia on at least one side. The outer sleeveportion is formed from a planar material that is cut and scored to forma front portion 702A, a back portion 702B, and tabs 704A-B. In oneaspect, the front and back portions 702A-B, respectively, and the tabs704A-B are defined and separated by one or more folds 706A-E. Inaddition, the back portion 702B includes a cutout or opening 708. Thecutout 708 allows a barcode or other indicia on a gift card positionedwithin the holder 70 to be viewed and scanned without removing the giftcard from the holder. An adhesive is applied to the tabs 704A-B whichare then affixed to the interior surface of a bi-fold insert 740. Thesleeve 700 may include additional indicia and adornments, such as anarea to identify the gift giver and recipient or a ribbon and bow. Inaddition, the sleeve 700 may include a removable tab 180, shown in FIG.4, for displaying the gift card holder 70 at a retail location.

In one embodiment, the bi-fold insert 740 is also made from two or moreplanar materials that are each marked with indicia or graphics on atleast one surface. The insert 740 is also formed by cutting the planarmaterials and affixing a front frame 750 on top of a panel of a backerboard 760, having a front portion 761 and a back portion 763 separatedby a fold line 765. In particular, the front frame 750 is cut to createa generally rectangular opening 752, dimensioned to receive and hold agift card. The front frame 750 may also include one or more cutouts 751that aid the removal of a gift card disposed in the frame. The backerboard 760 includes a cutout or opening 762 that aligns with the cutout708 to allow a barcode or other indicia on the gift card placed withinthe frame opening 752 to be viewed and scanned when the insert ispositioned within the sleeve 700. To assemble the insert 740, the frontframe 750 is affixed to the interior surface 767 of the back portion 763of the backer board 760. The sleeve 700 is also engaged to an exteriorsurface of the insert 740.

In various aspects, a band 770, shown in FIGS. 30 and 36, for holdingthe gift card holder 70 closed in a folded configuration, is engaged tothe holder. The band 770 may be fabricated as a continuous loop ofmaterial; alternatively, the band may be a strip of material that isadhered or otherwise attached to itself to form the band. In oneembodiment, the band 770 is a planar material, such as paper, cardstock,or fabric, among others, that includes an adhesive 771 for forming thecontinuous loop. In one aspect, the band 770 may include one or moreadditional adornments 772. In various aspects, the adornments 772 andindicia for the gift card holder 70 may vary in accordance with thepurpose of the gift, the holiday, or season. For example, the adornmentmay have the general shape of a snowflake for giving a gift duringwinter.

A Gift Box Gift Card Holder

FIGS. 38A-42 depict another embodiment of a gift box gift card holder80. In this embodiment, the gift box gift card holder 80 is generallybox-shaped with a bottom portion 800 and a lid portion 802. The bottomportion 800 and lid portion 802 may be engaged to decorative covers 840and 830, respectively, which include graphics or indicia. In oneembodiment, the graphics and indicia may be applied directly to thebottom portion 800 and the lid portion 802. The holder 80 may alsoinclude a tray 840 within the box to hold and display a gift card placedor attached thereon.

The bottom portion 800 and a lid portion 802 are fabricated from aplanar material that is cut and scored to define a respective bottompanel 810 including a cutout 812 and a top panel 814. Each portion 800and 802 also includes sidewalls 816A-D and 818A-D, respectively, whichare formed from the planar material. The sidewalls 816A-D and 818A-D maybe folded inward to provide structure to the box. In one aspect,sidewalls 816A and 816C include notches 820A-B to grip and remove thelid portion 802 from the bottom portion 800 after assembly.

The decorative liners 830 and 840 are similarly formed from a planarmaterial. One or more sides or surfaces of the planar materials for thedecorative liners 830 and 840 are printed, painted, or otherwise markedwith indicia. In one aspect, the markings are designed to give theappearance of wrapping paper 832 and a bow 834. One or both liners 830and 840 may include an area 842 for indicating the gift giver and therecipient. The decorative liner 840 for the bottom portion 800 may alsoinclude a cutout 844 that aligns with the cutout 812 of the bottom panel810 to allow a barcode or other indicia on a gift card placed in theholder 80 to be viewed and scanned when the holder is in a closedconfiguration, as shown in FIG. 8E. The decorative liner 840 may also beaffixed with a removable tab 180, shown in FIG. 4, for displaying thegift card holder 80 at a retail location.

The tray 850 may be formed from a planar material that is cut and foldedto fit within the bottom portion 800. The tray 850 includes a centralportion 854 that is proximal to the bottom portion 800 of holder 80,when the tray is folded and assembled. In one embodiment, the centralportion 854 is adhered to the interior surface 801 of the bottom portion800. The central portion 854 of the tray 850 also defines a cutout oropening 852 that is aligned with the cutouts 812 and 844 to allow thebarcode or other indicia on the gift card to be viewed and scannedwithout removing the card from the box 80. In various aspects, the tray850 includes markings and indicia that may correspond to the gift givingoccasion, holiday, or season.

For each embodiment, a gift card 90 may be included with the gift cardholders 10-80. In various other embodiments, the gift card holders 10-80may be used or re-used with any gift card 90, including those purchasedseparately from the purchase of the gift card holder.

It is believed that the present disclosure and many of its attendantadvantages will be understood by the foregoing description, and it willbe apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction,and arrangement of the components without departing from the disclosedsubject matter or without sacrificing all of its material advantages.The form described is merely explanatory, and it is the intention of thefollowing claims to encompass and include such changes.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference tovarious embodiments, it will be understood that these embodiments areillustrative and that the scope of the disclosure is not limited tothem. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements arepossible. More generally, embodiments in accordance with the presentdisclosure have been described in the context of particularimplementations. Functionality may be separated or combined in blocksdifferently in various embodiments of the disclosure or described withdifferent terminology. These and other variations, modifications,additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the disclosureas defined in the claims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device configured to receive a gift cardcomprising: a sleeve portion including a first cutout; an insertportion, fully removable from the sleeve portion, configured to receivea gift card, wherein the insert portion including a second cutout and athird cutout; wherein the insert portion contains a wider section and anarrower section; wherein the wider section of the insert portion is ofgreater width than the sleeve portion and forms an upper gripping panel;wherein the narrower section of the insert portion is configured to fitwithin the sleeve portion; wherein the second cutout of the insertportion aligns with the third cutout of the insert portion by folding;wherein the narrower section of the insert portion is slidably engagedto the sleeve portion such that the gift card is concealed within thesleeve portion when the insert is fully inserted into the sleeve portionand the first cutout is aligned with the second cutout and third cutoutwhile securing the gift card in place; and, wherein an indicia of thegift card to be inserted in the device is visible through the firstcutout, second cutout, and third cutout.
 2. The device of claim 1,wherein the sleeve portion is adorned by a bow.
 3. The device of claim1, wherein the sleeve portion is configured to simulate an appearance ofa gift box.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the insert is a frame. 5.The device of claim 1, wherein the insert portion presents a handle at atop end of the wider section as to resemble of a gift bag.
 6. A deviceconfigured to receive a gift card comprising: a sleeve portioncomprising, a front, a back having a first cutout, and a flap; an insertportion, fully removable from the sleeve portion, configured to receivea gift card, wherein the insert portion comprises a front, a back with asecond cutout, and a front frame; wherein the insert portion contains awider section and a narrower section; wherein the wider section of theinsert portion is of greater width than the sleeve portion and forms anupper gripping panel; wherein the narrower section of the insert portionis configured to fit within the sleeve portion; wherein the narrowersection of the insert portion is slidably inserted into the sleeveportion such that the first cutout is aligned with the second cutoutwhile securing the gift card in place; and, wherein an indicia of thegift card to be inserted in the device is visible through the firstcutout and the second cutout.
 7. The device of claim 6, furthercomprising a hangtag.